Briefing Paper 3. Small-scale irrigation in the Ethiopian highlands: What potential for poverty reduction and climate adaptation?

From:: Department for International Development
Published: 1 January 2010

Country:: Ethiopia
Document Type:: Briefing
Theme:: Water and Sanitation
Authors:: Tucker, J., Leulseged Yirgu

Abstract

Small-scale irrigation is a policy priority in Ethiopia for rural poverty alleviation and growth, as well as climate adaptation. Only around 5% of Ethiopia’s irrigable land is irrigated (World Bank, 2006), and less than 5% of total renewable water resources are withdrawn annually (FAO, 2005), so there is considerable scope for expansion. The following discussion draws on evidence from a micro-level study by RiPPLE to assess the contribution of small-scale irrigation to income diversification and livelihood resilience in three highland communities in East Hararge, Oromia region (Eshetu et al, 2010). Household interviews and focus group discussion (for different wealth groups and female-headed households) were conducted in three sites with spring-based community managed irrigation schemes.

Citation

Research-inspired Policy and Practice Learning in Ethiopia and the Nile Region (RiPPLE), Ethiopia, 4 pp.